Navy uncovers new vandals’ haven

Nigerian Navy (NN) operatives at the weekend uncovered a new pipeline vandals’ haven around Atlas Cove Island in Lagos.

Ilado, Ilashe, Corner Loss, Sarkin Juju and Idi Mangoro were raided on Thursday and Friday, after the Navy monitored the area for about three weeks.

It was gathered that a resident on the Island tipped off naval personnel about activities of vandals, who had vandalised the pipeline flowing from Atlas Cove to Mosimi.

The Nation gathered that the vandals were in collusion with officials of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and the private security firm contracted by the government to safeguard the pipelines in the theft.

During an on-the-spot assessment of the areas on Saturday, it was observed that the vandals constructed bunkers and lived among the locals.

Briefing reporters after a tour, the Commander, NNS BEECROFT, Rear Admiral Maurice Eno said on December 14, a detachment of personnel raided the locations and discovered a storage facility having over 1500 jerry cans.

He said: “One thousand, three hundred and thirty (1,330) contained products suspected to be Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) believed to have been siphoned from the NNPC pipelines laid on the island.

“At the time of the raid, no person was found on the storage facility. The product was evacuated to NNS BEECROFT. The team also discovered the siphoning points where valves were connected by the vandals to steal the product.

“It is pertinent to note that the NNPC pipelines laid on Atlas Cove Island are under the supervision and care of Top Line Security Limited/ Kings Guard Security Company. It is opined that these heinous acts may not have gone unnoticed by these private security outfits.

“The Nigerian Navy under the leadership of the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS) Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas is committed to assisting NNPC deal with the issue of pipeline vandalism and crude oil theft.

“Pipeline vandals and other criminal elements particularly in our maritime environment are warned to desist from the acts and pursue lawful means of livelihood. Otherwise, they will surely be brought to justice. The crude products would be handed over to NNPC.”

Contacted, the Administrative Officer of Topline Security, John Udeme said he was unaware of the development.

He said: “I am not aware that vandals were operating there. I am not aware the security men on ground were colluding with vandals. I have contacted our officer in Lagos but I haven’t gotten a clear picture yet. You are the one that has given me this information and we would investigate it.”